The Maltese Music on Private Radio Stations Support Scheme forms part of Arts Council Malta’s support portfolio that invests in diverse artistic and cultural expression and in the development of Malta’s cultural and creative sectors. The scheme has been developed to promote and support the exposure of local musical talent on broadcast platforms. This scheme provides financial assistance to eligible broadcasting entities committed to showcasing Maltese music through structured programming that aligns with the cultural and linguistic identity of Malta.

In line with ACM’s Strategy2030 this scheme primarily addresses creative practitioners supports creative practitioners and cultural operators by fostering sustainable artistic development, innovation, and collaboration across the cultural and creative sectors.

The scheme contributes to the priorities of Strategy2030 by actively seeking to:

• Increase the exposure and accessibility of Maltese music across private broadcasting platforms, strengthening audience engagement with local artistic content;
• Support Maltese creatives within the local music industry by creating greater opportunities for dissemination, recognition, and professional visibility;
• Encourage investment in local musical content and strengthen collaboration between the broadcasting sector and Malta’s cultural and creative industries;
• Promote Malta’s cultural and linguistic identity through the dissemination of Maltese music and diverse contemporary artistic expression;
• Foster the development and sustainability of Malta’s music ecosystem by supporting initiatives that contribute to audience development, sectoral resilience and creative entrepreneurship;
• Encourage innovation, diversity, and intergenerational engagement in music programming by creating opportunities for both emerging and established artists, while fostering wider public participation and appreciation of Maltese music across different generations and communities;

Contribute to the cultural, social, and economic value generated by Malta’s music sector through strategic public investment in local creative production and distribution.

The main objective of the scheme is to increase the broadcast presence of contemporary Maltese music, particularly works that feature the Maltese language and are created by local artists. Through an increase in dedicated airtime for Maltese music, the scheme aims to foster greater appreciation for Maltese culture, support the local music industry, and ensure that new and emerging works are accessible to a wider audience through regular, high-quality programming.

The scheme supports applicant broadcasters in producing and airing thirteen (13) dedicated programmes per schedule across three consecutive schedules, starting from 1st October 2026. Each programme must include a minimum of forty (40) minutes of Maltese music, which can be aired in either:

• One continuous block between 06:00 and 20:00; or
• Two separate blocks of 20 minutes each, also between 06:00 and 20:00.

Programmes must consist of original broadcasts; repeat content is not eligible. Additionally, advertisements must not be counted within the 40-minute minimum requirement.

The music content must comply with the following criteria:

• Composed and/or written by Maltese individuals;
• Released within the past 36 months;
• At least 50% of the music must contain lyrics in the Maltese language.

To be considered for support under the scheme, applicants must submit their October 2026 broadcast schedule together with their application.

This scheme is developed to enable high-quality, locally produced music to receive the visibility and recognition it deserves, thereby contributing to a vibrant and sustainable Maltese music scene.

In line with its commitment to supporting the arts through its sustainable and accountable approach to public investment:  

Applicants are encouraged to give due consideration, as appropriate, to the principles explained in the requirements in line with Arts Council Malta’s ongoing Strategy.

In line with its commitment to supporting the arts through its sustainable, inclusive and accountable approach to public investment, ACM draws applicants’ attention to ACM’s Right to Culture – Resource Pack when developing their proposal, in relation to how they engage with communities and the considerations of everyone’s cultural rights in their work. This resource pack is aimed at increasing awareness regarding inclusivity and supporting the implementation of cultural rights in our day-to-day practice.   

Applicants are also expected to give due consideration, as appropriate, to the main principles outlined in the Charter for the Status of the Artist when proposing their operational and programming activities to ensure fair and just working conditions for artists. These include the right to artistic freedom, improved accessibility, formal/informal/non-formal skill recognition, decent socio-economic conditions, non-discrimination and equity, ethical considerations and adherence to intellectual property rights and international labour law. The Charter for the Status of the Artist is meant to provide a dynamic frame of reference for any legislation, policy, or initiative which directly or indirectly impacts artists and cultural and creative sectors, ensuring that any action is aligned with the ultimate long-term vision of elevating the status of artists in Malta in line with their tangible value to society.